Allan Rowe, Nova Scotia Liberal MLA, Dies

HALIFAX - Allan Rowe, a member of the Liberal caucus in the Nova Scotia legislature and a former broadcast journalist, has died. He was 58.

Premier Stephen McNeil said Rowe will be remembered for his commitment to his community.

"It's a sad day for the legislature," he said. "Allan is exactly the kind of person Nova Scotians should want to represent them. He's a gentleman in every sense of the word."

The premier's office said Rowe died early Monday. He was hospitalized last month with an undisclosed ailment.

Rowe was elected to the legislature for the first time in 2013 following a long career as a radio and television news broadcaster. He represented the riding of Dartmouth South and was also the government caucus whip.

Born in Hamilton, Rowe attended McMaster University before moving to Newfoundland to attend Memorial University, where he accepted a position at the school of medicine.

He worked as a roughneck on the drilling rig Ocean Ranger before becoming a reporter in St. John's, N.L., on Q-Radio in 1981.

"One of my first tasks was to report on the sinking of the Ocean Ranger with all hands lost, many of whom were close friends of mine," Rowe wrote in an online biography published on his constituency website.

Rowe later went to work for CTV Atlantic before moving to Global Television in Halifax, where he spent 17 years as a senior anchor, producer and news director. He retired from journalism in 2012.

The leaders of the Progressive Conservative party and the NDP said Rowe was liked by all members of the legislature.

"Allan brought his well-earned reputation for honesty, fairness and integrity to the house of assembly," Tory Leader Jamie Baillie said in a statement.

NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald said: "Allan Rowe was a very genuine and sincere person who cared deeply for his community."

Rowe is survived by his wife Yvonne, his daughter Deborah, her husband Nick and two grandchildren, Michael and Hope.